THSADA History

In the spring of 1971, Athletic Directors from across Texas met in Houston to discuss organizing an Athletic Directors Association. Although most Athletic Directors were members of the Texas High School Coaches Association, it was the consensus that many of the problems and concerns of athletic directors were different from those of coaches. Under the leadership of North East Independent School District Athletic Director Joe Bill Fox, committees were formed and a constitution was written. Mr. Fox was elected the Association’s first president.

With the growth and elevated profile of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association, the first ever Executive Director of the THSADA was selected in March, 2012. Rusty Dowling, formerly Director of Athletics for the Katy ISD, was hired to oversee the organizational and administrative concerns of the THSADA.

The leadership model of the THSADA was changed in July of 2014 to better represent all areas of the State of Texas. An annual membership election for the office of Vice President takes place every year with the process of the VP moving through the administrative positions of Vice President, then to President-elect then eventually into the position of President. Three additional Board members were selected to fully represent all eight regions of the THSADA. The Board Historian and Board Secretary were re-purposed to permanent, non-voting members of the Board.

The event calendar for the THSADA became more established. Along with the annual Home Team Marketing-THSADA State Conference, the THSADA has active participation in the summer TGCA and THSCA Summer Conventions as well as involvement in the regular monthly Region meetings that occur throughout the state. The establishment of committee’s were organized to assist the THSADA in doing the work of the Association was also critical and allowed for additional member engagement.

THSADA, now in its 44th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 600 secondary athletics administrators at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the State of Texas. More than 300 athletics administrators annually attend THSADA’s State Conference. THSADA members manage over $400 million dollars in athletic budget considerations for over one million student-athletes.